I'd lost my brother and home in a fire when I wrote to you - but you saved me

DEAR DEIDRE: AT the time I wrote to you, Deidre, I was at rock bottom.

I am generally a strong woman of 58, but when I got in touch I had experienced stress upon stress.

Just a month after my brother died, there was a fire at my house and I had to move out.

I started having panic attacks and I couldn’t cope with anything.

It all got too much. I felt like giving up and staying in bed all day.

You listened to me – something my own doctor had not done. And you reassured me that my feelings were natural.

You recommended bereavement counselling and sent me your support packs Stress And Anxiety and How To Cope With Panic Attacks.

I found both of those made for very helpful reading.

And your email gave me the glimmer of hope I needed at a dark time.

Although I didn’t seek professional help, just having the contact details to hand made me feel I had support.

Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.

You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.

I am now feeling much more positive, have moved back into my house and I am looking forward to the future.

Thank you.

DEIDRE'S STORIES

Wes meets Amber's girlfriend Jess, but his jealousy gets the better of him

DEAR DEIDRE

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

BACK OFF

DEIDRE SAYS: Often, just knowing someone cares, listens, and has your back is all it takes to help you move forward with your life.

I’m happy to have helped.